The Royal Sonesta Boston: Where Boston meets Cambridge
Royal Sonesta Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts
To enjoy Boston from another perspective, away from the places that draw the tourist crowds, consider staying on the other side of the Charles River, in Cambridge.
The Royal Sonesta Boston is the Sonesta Hotel group’s flagship property and is rated 4-Diamonds by AAA.
Royal Sonesta Hotel guest room, Cambridge, Massachusetts
It is right around the corner from Boston’s Museum of Science, where Boston meets Cambridge, and overlooks the river and city skyline.
Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts
In 2017 the Royal Sonesta Boston was awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for its commitment to families. It is also ideal for a weekend getaway for singles or couples. The salt-based pool is chlorine-free and is one of the largest in Boston. And canine companions can enjoy a run along the river pathways.
Its location is away from the hustle and bustle of the city yet within walking distance of many of its major attractions. It is a place where you can watch the tour boats and yachts in the river and trains going in and out of the city.
Boston skyline view from Royal Sonesta Boston, Massachusetts
The riverside walkway just outside the hotel is a green oasis. It connects to Lechmere Canal Park, a lively restored area by the Cambridge Galleria Mall.
Cambridge Galleria Mall, Cambridge, Massachusetts
The park is centered on a tall jetted fountain and at the end of a canal built in 1895. Plexiglass panels describe the canal’s industrial history.
Lechmere Canal Park, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Contemporary art
Each of the international group of Sonesta hotels are unique to their region in design and focus on world-renowned original contemporary art.
The Sonesta name combines the first names of of businessman and hotelier A. M. “Sonny” Sonnebend and his wife, Esther. The Sonnebends were avid art collectors. The Royal Sonesta’s collection of contemporary art includes their acquisitions and pieces commissioned for the hotel.
Boston skyline view from Royal Sonesta Boston, Massachusetts
The Royal Sonesta’s ArtBar, like the 400 guest rooms and event space, overlooks a panorama that includes the Charlesgate Yacht Club, the Charles River and the Boston skyline. Fire pits add warmth to the outdoor bar and patio area when there is a chill in the air. There is live entertainment on summer nights.
Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage Brian Dandro introduced an innovative menu for the newly renovated restaurant. The seasonal New England-inspired food and “liquid art” specialty cocktails are crafted with fresh local ingredients, creatively presented, and designed to indulge the senses.
octopus salad, Royal Sonesta Boston, Massachusetts
tuna tartar with caviar, Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston, Cambridge
Parisian Gnocchi, Royal Sonesta Boston, Massachusetts
Skillet S’mores, Royal Sonesta Boston, Massachusetts
The Royal Sonesta is one of the few hotels in Boston to have its own pastry shop. Executive pastry chef Christina Allen-Flores’ creations are specially priced during the 3 pm- 8 pm Sweet Hours.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a destination in itself. It is best known as home to two of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard and M.I.T., and for its resultant intellectual, high-tech, creative and literary scene.
MIT’s Kendall Square Initiative has created what is called the most innovative square mile on the planet. More startups are housed in the Cambridge Innovation Center than in any other building in the world. Cafés and restaurants that serve international cuisine prepared from local and sustainable ingredients abound here.
Cambridge is a place to browse the bookstores or sip a coffee as you people watch at Harvard Square. You can stroll past 20th-century buildings designed by Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei and enjoy the outdoor sculptures by artists like Picasso on the the MIT campus.